Best "Captaincy Dream Come True"

20 January 2016

Rory Best says he knows he has big shoes to fill after he was named as the new Ireland Rugby captain.

The Ulster hooker, who has been capped 89 times for his country, has been selected as Paul O'Connell's successor. Ireland head coach, Joe Schmidt, confirmed the news as he announced his squad for the opening two rounds of the 6 Nations Championship.

Best says being named captain is a dream come true: "It's a massive honour for me and my family. It's something that you dream of when you're growing up, playing for Ireland - being asked to captain the side and this exciting group of players is something I'm privileged to do and I'm very much looking forward to it.

"Paulie was probably the best captain I've played under and I've got to learn from that and take bits from that, it would be silly not to. Ultimately you have to be your own person and put your own stamp on it.

"He was very much a talismanic captain and that's the way I'll try to be in that I'll lead a bit by what I say but also by my actions. It's a big challenge following on from Paulie but one that I'm relishing and I'll put my own stamp on it and the boys will hopefully follow.